Diablo Foothills Open Space Preserve, not normally open to the public, is an 819-acre undeveloped preserve in Gilroy with rolling hills, oaks, ponds, and creeks that are part of the primary watershed for the Pajaro River, as well as Coyote Creek. This preserve is not often birded, but we will look for wintering species such as Say’s Phoebes and Red-breasted Sapsuckers. 

Trip Difficulty: 3-4 miles roundtrip on moderate to strenuous hills, unmaintained trails and existing ranch roads. Roads may be muddy after rains, please wear sturdy footwear. 

Meet: In-N-Out Burger parking lot at 641 Leavesley Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020 at 7:45 am to carpool, as parking is limited at this site this time of year. We will leave the lot by 8:00 to get to the site by 8:30, so please arrive on time. Otherwise, meet at the Diablo Foothills Preserve (6280 Cañada Road, Gilroy, CA 95020) at 8:30 am.

Dani Christensen, (408) 383-4291

Family friendly, ages 14+

Beginner friendly

Google Plus Code for Preserve: ”2GGV+5J Gilroy, California” (paste code, city, and state into Google maps)

Directions: From US-101 S, take the Leavesley Rd exit and go left (east). Make the first left on San Ysidro Ave to meet in the In-N-Out for carpool. Otherwise, continue on Leavesley for 2 miles. Leavesely turns into Ferguson, continue on Ferguson for 1.7 miles. Turn left onto CA-152 E, and in half a mile make a left on Cañada Road. Continue on Cañada Road for 5 miles. When you are getting close, look for an old windmill on your left. The parking area is located on your left in less than one-quarter of a mile after you pass the windmill. If you reach Cañada Rd and Jaimeson Rd, you’ve gone too far. 

Facilities: porta-potty 

Parking Fees: no

This trip is organized by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (scvas.org). Please read our trip policies. Questions? Contact the trip leader or email scvasfieldtrips@gmail.com.